Ars Technica’s live discussion with space experts revealed that Blue Origin has not set a firm debut date for its upgraded New Glenn 9x4 launch vehicle. Industry sources cited in the conversation point to a launch window in late 2027 or early 2028, meaning the rocket is still several years away.
The 9x4 configuration—nine first‑stage engines and four upper‑stage engines—was described as a more powerful successor to the 7x2 variant that suffered a catastrophic explosion in May. Panelists Eric Berger, Caleb Henry, and podcast host Anthony Colangelo stressed that NASA’s Artemis IV lunar‑landing mission relies on heavy‑lift rockets like New Glenn, and both Blue Origin and SpaceX are racing to deliver landers for the program.
With no concrete timeline for the 9x4, Artemis IV could face schedule pressures, prompting NASA to explore backup launch options or adjust mission milestones. The panel advised watching Blue Origin’s development updates and NASA’s contingency planning as the next steps.
